The US stock market is indicating a positive start to Wednesday’s trade, April 1, on renewed hopes that the Iran war could end soon, while a drop in crude oil prices is also aiding sentiment.
Futures of the three key indices — the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq—were trading higher in the range of 0.3-0.7%.
In the previous session, all three benchmark indices registered one of their biggest single-day jumps in over a year amid positive developments in the Middle East.
As the US-Israel war with Iran, which had pushed crude prices to a record monthly jump in March, entered its fifth week, investors are interpreting recent statements by US President Donald Trump more positively.
After launching strikes along with Israel on Tehran on February 28, Trump is now signalling a willingness to end the war, as allies appear increasingly unwilling to support the conflict. The war has weakened US relations with NATO, and Trump is reportedly considering pulling the US out of the 77-year-old defensive alliance.
Trump reportedly said on Tuesday that American forces would leave Iran in “two or three weeks,” adding that the US would end its involvement in the war “whether we have a deal or not,” and shift responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Trump told aides he was willing to end the war even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed for now. Later, the New York Post reported that the President believes the Iran war will likely end soon and that other nations will handle the Strait.
Meanwhile, Tehran said there are currently no formal talks underway with the US but reportedly signalled a willingness to end the war if its conditions are met.
The war, which has cost billions of dollars for the Trump administration and pushed gas prices above an average of $4 a gallon, has also led to millions of people marching across all 50 states in “No Kings” protests in late March 2026.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in a wide-ranging talk at Harvard University, said on Monday that he sees inflation expectations as well anchored despite rising energy prices, suggesting the central bank may not need to respond with higher interest rates, CNBC reported.
While Trump’s recent indications suggest a possible end to the war, Israel has reportedly said it will continue its fight against Iran. Yemeni forces, which officially joined the war against the US and Israel last week, have also intensified their attacks on Israel.
Brent drops below $100
Amid hopes of de-escalation, crude oil prices have sharply pulled back from recent highs, with Brent crude — the international benchmark — falling 5.4% in early trade to hit a day’s low of $98 per barrel. US benchmark crude dropped 5% to $96.56.
Brent crude surged 43% in March, marking its biggest monthly jump on record and extending its winning streak to three consecutive months, resulting in a cumulative gain of 70%.
Crude oil prices remained highly volatile throughout March, as the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes — has effectively been shut since the US-Israel escalation against Iran in late February.
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